In this presentation, Nuala Meyer, MD, examines severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition with a 45% mortality in affected patients. Dr. Meyers' considerations include the pathophysiology of severe ARDS, therapeutic and preventative measures for the condition, and prognostic indicators for ECMO consultation in patients who remain in unstable severe ARDS despite intervention.Nuala Meyer, MD, examines the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).